With the first snow, it seems everyone is re-learning how to drive on wet, icy, or snowy roads. This year play it safe and get re-acquainted with how to best handle your vehicle under winter weather driving conditions.

• Practice cold weather driving when your area gets snow. Until you're completely comfortable with your winter weather driving skills and know how your vehicle handles in snowy conditions, practice in an empty lot in full daylight.
• Drive slowly. It's harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, add sufficient distance between and the vehicles ahead so that if you need it, you will have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
• Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. If you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm pressure. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently to avoid going into a spin.
• If you do find yourself in a skid, stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go. This procedure, known as "steering into the skid," will bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

Check your tires

Regardless of the time of year, inspect your tires at least once a month and always before starting out for a road trip. Here are some things to remember!

• Check tire pressure and make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer's suggested PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure, which is listed in your owner's manual and on a label inside the driver's door.
• Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle and check pressure when tires are cold, which means they haven't been driven on for at least three hours.
• Look closely at your tread and replace tires with uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 1/16 of an inch or greater on all tires.

Check your battery

When the temperature drops, so does battery power. Plus, it takes more power to start your vehicle in cold weather than in warm. Find out if your battery is up to the challenge.

• Have your mechanic check your battery for sufficient voltage.
• Have the charging system and belts inspected.
• If necessary, replace the battery and/or make necessary system repairs.

Plan ahead

Keep yourself and others safe by planning ahead before heading out into bad weather.

• Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary.
• Don't rush! Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.
• Keep your gas tank close to full. If you get stuck in a traffic jam or snow, you might need more gas to get home or keep warm.
• If road conditions are hazardous think about postponing your outing. Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle.

Don’t leave home with these items in the winter

Winter driving can turn hazardous in a very short time, so make sure to carry these items in your vehicle during the winter months”

• Windshield fluid.
• Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.
• Abrasive material, such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
• Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices, such as flares and markers.
• Blankets for protection from the cold.
• A cell phone, water, food, and any necessary medicine. These are especially important if you are planning a road trip.

What to do in case of a winter emergency

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules:

• Stay with your car and don't overexert yourself.
• Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on.
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, don't run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically – just long enough to stay warm!

Here are more helpful tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to consider.